Headgear controversy: Nagaland BJP burns Shashi Tharoor effigy

The BJP Nagaland unit on Tuesday took out a protest rally and burnt an effigy of Congress leader Shashi Tharoor for his remarks that Prime Minister Narendra Modi donned outlandish Naga and other headgear but refused to put on a Muslim skull cap and said the former union minister had made fun of the rich culture and traditions of the Nagas.

“Tharoor has shown utter disregard towards the custom of the Nagas and have crossed all limits. It is shameful for someone who was at the United Nations and is an elected representative to mock the custom of the tribal people. He has insulted the tribal people of north east in general and the Nagas in particular,” PTI quoted Nagaland BJP General Secretary James Vizo as saying.

Tharoor, addressing a seminar, had alleged that the prime minister could wear all kinds of head-gear but not Muslim skull cap.

“I ask you why does our prime minister wear all sorts of outlandish headgear wherever he goes around the country or around the world? Why does he always refuse to wear a Muslim skull cap?”

“You see him in Naga headgears with feathers. You have seen him in various kinds of extraordinary outfits which is a right thing for a prime minister to do. Indira Gandhi has also been photographed wearing various kinds of costumes. But why he still always says no to one?” Tharoor said at a seminar in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Minister of state for home Kiren Rijiju, Union minister for DoNER Jitendra Singh and Union minister of state for information and broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore’s on Monday took to Twitter to hit out at Tharoor.

Congress Party & Shashi Tharoor ji please explain what's the English meaning of outlandish & hilarious headgear?You can't get away after insulting the Tribal & North East people. https://t.co/8nQ22AyNHA

DoNER minister said: “Dear @ShashiTharoor, this smacks of outlandish mindset, particularly a mocking affront to rich traditional culture of people of Northeast, including those of Nagaland whom you specifically choose to mention. It’s this Congress mindset, which treated Northeast with disdain for 70 yrs."

Rathore alleged that Tharoor has “insulted the proud cultural heritage of the people of Northeast. This condescension & arrogance towards the people of India have become hallmarks of @INCIndia,” he tweeted.

Shashi Tharoor insults the proud cultural heritage of the people of North-East.

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio also took strong objection to Congress leader’s remark and demanded an apology from Tharoor..

Nagas have rich heritage&vibrant culture.We are proud of our history&traditions. The Naga headgear is renowned&gifted with honour,definitely not outlandish. Mutual respect makes India a great nation. One must apologise & withdraw statements that hurt others sentiments.